Obituary of Audrey Blanche Durling

Durling, Audrey Blanche (Gilliatt) - age 85 years of Granville Ferry, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2014, in Annapolis Community Health Centre, surrounded by her loving family. Audrey was born in Granville Ferry, a daughter of the late Arthur and Viola (Baltzer) Gilliatt. After attending Annapolis Royal Academy High School, she started teaching at the age of 16, a career that spanned almost 50 years until she retired in 1994 from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. Audrey was a skilled first mate alongside her captain Lee, and an avid RVer. They cruised the waterways from Oshawa to the Bahamas on their cabin cruiser the AudaLee and land cruised several times across Canada and the USA in their motorhome. Audrey and Lee returned to Annapolis County and ran a successful bed and breakfast, also called the AudaLee. Audrey was affectionately known as the ‘hat lady of Annapolis’ and could often be seen walking her loyal companion Dewey. Audrey is survived by twin daughters, Janice Durling (Ted) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Jayne Durling, and granddaughters, Mackenzie and Laurian of Surrey, B.C.; sons, Keith (Janice) and grandchildren, Dana (Dan) and Chris (Jenn) of Oshawa, Ontario; Wayne (Debbie), and grandchildren; Angie, Jesse, Brent and Josh of Winnipeg, Manitoba; sisters, Barbara Gilliatt of Lawrencetown and Helen (Lionel) Kennedy of Granville Ferry, and special friend John Haikings of Annapolis. Audrey is predeceased by her husband Leland Durling; a daughter, Margo Lynn; sisters Marion (Gerald) Longmire of Hillsburn and Nettie Troop of Granville Ferry; brothers Murray (Elizabeth) of Nictaux, Stuart (Ethel) of Middleton, Harold (Marjorie) of Peterborough. Audrey was a member of St. George & St. Andrew United Church in Annapolis, including her life membership in the church UCW. A memorial service will be held in St. George & St. Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal on Tuesday, February 4, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s memory may be made to the ACHC Palliative Care Foundation or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Coldbrook Chapel (679-2822).